South Monterey County Joint Union High School District

SMCJUHSD Governance Team Mission Statement

We are a governance team of community individuals with collective authority that focuses on the continuous improvement of student achievement.

We set the direction for the district and establish policies that promote a culture of higher learning that ensures the education of all students.

We are responsible to the students, parents, and community members within the South Monterey County Joint Union High School District.

Board Members

The Board of Trustees have all participated in the CSBA Masters of Governance training and became partners with the CSBA for ongoing training and policy mentoring. In addition, they routinely get educated in protocols and procedures.

The board uses the CSBA template for policies, which is revised every 3 months, to ensure that they are in compliance with state mandates, best practices, and newly passed state laws.

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David Gaboni, President
David Gaboni

Mr. Gaboni has served on the Board since 2015. He grew up in King City, attending Santa Lucia Elementary, San Lorenzo Middle School and graduating from King City High School. He attended Hartnell Community College and earned his Bachelor's Degree from Chapman University. He currently lives in Jolon, where he has lived his whole life. Mr. Gaboni has worked for the Monterey County Office of Education for 32 years, currently serving as a maintenance custodian. Mr. Gaboni is a member of the California School Board Association, past President of the Monterey County School Board Association, and member of the Monterey County Education Coalition. Mr. Gaboni has been a member of CSEA, California School Emplyee Association for, 32 years, where he has held offices at the State and local leavels within the organization.

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Leslie Girard, Clerk
Leslie Girard

Ms. Girard has proudly called King City home since 1986 and has been fortunate to spend her career serving the community in a variety of meaningful roles. She worked for nine years at the well-known Keefer's Restaurant, followed by two years at Mee Memorial Hospital, before dedicating the last 30 years of her career as the Librarian at Del Rey Elementary School with the King City Union School District, from which she is now retired. Since 2016, Ms. Girard has had the privilege of serving as a Board Trustee for the South Monterey County Joint Union High School District, furthering her commitment to the communities she cares deeply about. Public education has been an important part of Ms. Girard's family's life. Her husband devoted 28 years to teaching in the Greenfield Union School District and is now retired, and her daughters were educated through both King City school districts, giving her a deep appreciation for the important role public schools play in shaping the lives of children and strengthening communities. Ms. Girard is a strong believer in the importance of public education and the opportunities it provides for all students. She is grateful for the privilege of serving the community and helping to support the success of future generations.

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Paul Dake, Member
Paul Dake

Mr. Dake was first appointed to the Board in 2016. He was born in Fowler, CA, and raised in Fresno. He graduated from Fresno High and earned his Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, and several teaching credentials from CSU Fresno. He has been a resident of Greenfield since 1989. He was a middle school teacher for 31 years during which he taught multiple subjects until his retirement in 2017. Prior to joining the SMCJUHSD Board, Mr. Dake also served on the Greenfield Union School District Board.

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Linda Benway, Member
Linda Benway

Ms. Benway joined the Board in 2019. She was born and raised in Madera and earned her bachelor's degree and teaching credential from Fresno State. Ms. Benway has called King City home since 1972. Over her 38 years of service to our district, she served as a teacher, coach, ASB director, and dean prior to joining the Board of Education after her retirement. Ms. Benway has served many community groups including the Southern Monterey County Foundation, 101 Elite Volleyball, KC Adult Softball, KC Summer Swim and Pee Wee Baseball, King City Recreation Commission, and Sober Grad committees.

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Mindy Hunt, Member
Mindy Hunt

Ms. Hunt joined the Board in 2024. She was born and raised in Montana, moved to Utah during high school, and received her bachelor's degree in business management from Western Governor’s University while living and working in Blythe, California. She has worked in Business and Finance for over 20 years in the Utah County Health Department, Palo Verde Hospital District, and the Town of Quartzsite. She made King City her home in 2018 and serves as a Business Services Analyst II for Greenfield Union School District. She has been serving as secretary of her classified union chapter and is currently a member of the Learner-Centered Collaborative team at GUSD.